PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

NIOA Group is expanding its role in Australia’s munitions manufacturing sector amid growing global demand, supply chain constraints and the need to strengthen domestic defence industrial capability.

NIOA Group is expanding its role in Australia’s munitions manufacturing sector amid growing global demand, supply chain constraints and the need to strengthen domestic defence industrial capability.

Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces 2026, NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa discusses the company’s growing role as a prime contractor, its partnerships with the Australian government and international industry, and efforts to expand domestic production of artillery ammunition, explosives and other munitions.

The conversation also explores global ammunition shortages, the strategic and economic benefits of sovereign manufacturing, proximity-fused warheads for counter-drone systems, and the challenges of establishing a sustainable Australian munitions industrial base.

Nioa also shares his views on future small arms requirements for the Australian Defence Force and the potential timeline for replacing the F88 Austeyr service rifle.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Episode 4: PODCAST: Australia’s 2026 Intergenerational Report and national security implications, with Phillip Tarrant and Robert Dougherty
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